Thousands return to bid farewell to Paisley Grammar School

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Thousands of people returned to bid a final farewell to a building that shaped their lives.

Former pupils, teachers and families gathered at Paisley Grammar School to say goodbye ahead of its closure and the move to a new community campus later this year.

More than 2000 visitors attended special farewell events throughout June, sharing memories and reconnecting with old friends in a building that has stood at the heart of Renfrewshire for generations.

J Taylor, B Robertson and H Sim (Image: Renfrewshire Council)

Among them was 98-year-old Wilma Watson, believed to be one of the oldest former pupils to return.

Wilma attended the school during the Second World War and vividly remembers celebrating VE Day in 1945 within its walls.

Another fond visitor was former classics teacher Bill Robertson who taught Latin and Greek at the school for nearly 20 years.

Reflecting on his time at Paisley Grammar, Bill said: "It was a great place to be.

"There was a real sense of community and belonging here.

"What stays with you most are the people and friendships."

Other former staff in attendance included Tom Strang, a mathematics teacher from 1972 to 1982 who later authored maths textbooks used in schools across Scotland.

Reflecting on his career, Tom said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time here."

Tom Strang (Image: Renfrewshire Council)

Alumni spanning generations came together to honour the school’s legacy.

Hamish McNaughtan, 81, a former pupil and member of the Old Grammarians cricket club, said the experience brought back long-forgotten memories.

Siblings John and Mhairi McKechnie, aged 77 and 73, reminisced about their school days, with Mhairi recalling her daily tram rides from Barrhead to Paisley.

She said: "It was much more exciting to get the tram to school."

Meanwhile, John shared fond memories of their inspirational English teacher, Mr McCondoch.

John said: "He treated you like a grown-up.

"He respected pupils, and that made a real difference."

John and Mhairi McKechnie (Image: Renfrewshire Council)

Former head teacher John C. Pears, 75, who led the school from 1995 to 2006, also took part in the farewell.

John said: "Paisley Grammar has always been a school with a strong sense of community and ambition.

"It has been a privilege to have been part of its story."

Hugh Nisbett, who attended the school both as a pupil and later as rector from 1988 to 1995, echoed those sentiments.

He said: "I was both pupil and rector of the school, and I have nothing but wonderful memories."

Current head teacher Janice Levens said it was "amazing" to welcome back so many people.

She said: "These farewell events have been really memorable for our school community.

"It has been amazing to welcome back so many former pupils, teachers and families to share memories and stories of their time here.

"A real highlight was chatting to Wilma and hearing about her experience as a pupil here.

"While there is sadness at saying goodbye to a building that means so much to so many people, there is also real excitement about the future.

"We are looking forward to beginning the next chapter in the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus while carrying forward the traditions, values and sense of community that make Paisley Grammar School so special."

Councillor Emma Rodden, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s education and children’s services policy board, emphasised how the events demonstrated the deep connections people have to the school.

She said: "The response to these farewell events has shown just how much Paisley Grammar School means to people.

"Saying goodbye to such an important building is emotional but there is also real excitement for the future.

"The new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus will provide fantastic facilities for pupils, staff and the wider community for generations to come."

Paisley Grammar School's new campus, located off Renfrew Road, will open later this year and is part of a wider investment in transport and connectivity in the area, including a new east–west road as part of the AMIDS South project.

The future of the current school building has also been secured.

Developers Nixon have purchased the site and will retain the historic core of the building, converting it into flats.

The more modern extensions will be demolished and replaced with new homes.

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